TRENTON, NJ – The New Jersey Assembly approved a new bill on Friday aimed at curbing unauthorized pop-up car rallies by imposing stricter penalties. This legislation comes in response to a deadly incident in Wildwood in September 2022, where a pop-up car rally resulted in two fatalities due to a drunk driver’s actions.
Assemblyman Antwan McClellan (R-Cape May) spearheaded the bill, citing the need to prevent similar tragedies and ensure public safety at the state’s popular beach and boardwalk destinations. The 2022 event in Wildwood drew over 500 vehicles and included illegal activities such as drag races and burnouts, ultimately leading to the deaths of an 18-year-old woman from Pennsylvania and a 34-year-old man from New Jersey.
The bill, known as A3060, enables the Department of Transportation and local authorities to establish special event zones around areas likely to attract motor vehicle gatherings exceeding 25 individuals. Within these zones, officials can reduce speed limits and ban exhibition driving, with heightened fines up to $1,000 for violations like speeding and reckless driving. Additionally, those charged with reckless driving could face up to 60 days in jail.
McClellan referenced Maryland’s success in increasing penalties to deter such events, which had previously pushed organizers to relocate to New Jersey. He emphasized that more severe consequences would serve as a deterrent, helping to protect residents, tourists, and local businesses from the disruptions and dangers posed by these illegal gatherings.